A Prospective Study On The Functional Outcome Of Platelet Rich Plasma Injection In Lumbar Facet Arthropathy

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders worldwide and a major cause of disability. Although disc pathology is often emphasized, lumbar facet joints are recognized as important pain generators. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an autologous concentrate of platelets containing bioactive growth factors, has gained attention as a regenerative alternative to corticosteroids. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of fluoroscopy-guided intra-articular PRP injection in lumbar facet arthropathy (LFA) using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).

Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on seventy-one patients diagnosed with LFA at R. L. Jalappa Hospital, Kolar, between September 2022 and December 2023. All patients received 2 mL of autologous PRP injected intra-articularly under fluoroscopic guidance. Pain and functional outcomes were measured using VAS and ODI scores before the injection, immediately after, and at one week, one month, and three months. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: The mean age of patients was 51 years; 53.5% were male. Mean VAS improved from 7.66 ± 0.75 pre-procedure to 1.07 ± 0.62 at three months (p < 0.001). Mean ODI improved from 55.13 ± 4.56 to 22.55 ± 3.35 (p < 0.001). All improvements were statistically significant across time intervals. No major complications occurred.

Conclusion: Fluoroscopy guided intra-articular PRP injection significantly improves pain and functional outcomes in lumbar facet arthropathy. PRP is a safe, minimally invasive, and regenerative alternative to corticosteroid injections, offering sustained benefits for up to three months.